I Went Crazy on Mackinac Island!

Zoie and I got to tag along on a business trip with hubby to the Win-Some Women retreat at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. I have watched Somewhere in Time a dozen times, but the moment I stepped out on the grand porch… I really was swept back in time.  The porch is the longest in the world and we ran up and down with Zoie all week, so we can testify that the fact is true.

There are no cars, only horse carriages and bikes for transportation around the Island.  We explored every inch of the stunning town and met people who have worked and lived ‘summers’ on Mackinac Island for over 40 years.  Zoie loved meeting Mr. Ron who drove a horse taxi with Peanut and May.  She was fascinated when the horses did big poops and pee pee on the street.  They even have special poop scoopers that smile when they work to keep the streets clean.  She made friends with all the “shop” dogs too… her favorite, Miss Sadie, a precious golden retriever who licked loved on Zoie from head to toe.  The zillion fudge shops are the joke around town, but it was no joke- we gobbled down the gooey perfection every chance we had.  My favorite spot was the “Is it Chu” tree, where Jane Seymour saw Christopher Reeve for the first time, but really meant to say, “Is it you?”  If you listen, you can hear her mistake in the movie clip.

One of my favorite activities we did was rent bikes and ride around the entire island.  It was a 9 mile ride and beautiful at every turn.  Zoie sat in a tent with wheels and loved stopping to throw rocks in the lake.  We watched the sunset together, but made sure we were back in time for dinner.  The pecan balls were to die for… their famous dessert of ice cream rolled in pecans that sits in a puddle of hot fudge.  I definitely have not started my blog diet yet.  We want to thank the staff at GH that made our visit so special… Michael, Mr. Ethiopia, Andrea (thanks for playing with Zoie in the gift shop) Lee Sun, Ashlie (thanks for getting Zoie’s milk with a smile) Sunny and everyone that took the time to get to know us.  We can’t wait to come back to Mackinac Island!

It was so special spending the week at the Grand Hotel.  I’m grateful for the opportunity to meet hundreds of women who have a passion for the Lord.  It was an adventure I will never forget, especially the clip-clop of the horses’ hooves and the sweet aroma of fudge in the air.

Bloggy friends, have you ever been to Mackinac Island or stayed at the Grand Hotel?  I want to hear your special story of this magical place in Michigan.

Mackinac Blogs:

• I found a stunning blog that features the Lilac Festival starting soon… take a peek.
• Also, this blog from Bree who lives on Mackinac- is that Sadie dog?

Enjoy 3 funny videos of Zoie on Mackinac Island:

Zoie Feeds the Birds-

Zoie and Miss Sadie-

Zoie and the Horse Carriage Ride- she talked louder than the guide.

On the set:

The vintage 1887 Grand Hotel was a location for all three of the better-known movies filmed on the island; the hotel pool is named “Esther Williams” after the star of the 1947 movie, “This Time for Keeps,” filmed partly on the island and also starring Jimmy Durante.

Somewhere in Time
In 1979 the Grand was again the setting for a romantic fantasy titled Somewhere in Time, starring Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour. Each fall the hotel hosts a reunion weekend of fans enchanted by the movie. Grand Hotel and Murray Hotel shows the film for their guests throughout the season.

Ice Bridge: Mackinac Island’s Hidden Season
This film follows islanders’ unique and quirky lifestyle throughout an entire year while tracing the formation of the spectacular phenomenon known as the “ice bridge” The filmmakers spent five full years filming on the island, then an additional five years editing footage and creating a meticulously crafted soundtrack. Blending their original music score with narration and rare island sounds, the film achieves an exceptional “being there” quality.

Kenneth Salmon, has worked at the Grand Hotel for 39 years.  He is vice president of hospitality.  The Jamaican staff are incredible and one of the main reasons the service is unforgettable!  Zoie was the princess of the ball at every meal.

Mr. Ron with May and Peanut.

“Is it You?” tree.

Look what I saw walking down the street… Simply Love T on Mackinac Island!!

Mackinac Video-

The Grand Hotel readies for another tourist season from Eric Seals on Vimeo.

• 1. Mackinac Island Lilac Festival

  http://68.77.232.90/index.html

  In late Spring from June 9 through the 18th, this year’s annual Lilac Festival takes place on Mackinac Island. There are many special events planned including parades, tours, wine tastings and so much more. TIP: If you discover that it is hard to find accomodations at these times, just book on either side of the festival dates and you will still be able to experience the beauty of the lilacs and the island.

• 2. Getting There is Half the Fun! Starline Ferry

  http://www.mackinawferry.com/

  Taking the ferry to Mackinac Island is a fun adventure. There are 3 ferry lines and this one is the newest and fastest. The others–Arnold’s and Schepler’s–are just fine. The ferries leave from either Mackinaw City at the south end of the bridge or St. Ignace on the north side of the bridge.

  The Grand Hotel will meet you at the ferry and take you and your bags up the hill to the hotel in a very wonderful Grand Hotel carriage. The other hotels will also meet you there, but not with as much pomp and circumstance. They will have your bags delivered for you to the hotel by bicycle. Where else can you have your luggage transported for you on a bike?! Everything on the island is transported by bike, or horse and cart.

  If you choose, you may fly to the island’s small airport.

• 3. The Grand Hotel / The Ultimate in Island Accomodations

  http://www.grandhotel.com/

  Ooooh, this is the big one on the island and a fantastic place to stay. If you want luxury, charm, history and a fabulous ambience, this is the place for you. This is where the movie “Somewhere in Time” with Christopher Reeve was filmed. I have stayed here 3 times and that is just not enough. The beautiful view of the Mackinac Bridge which connects the upper and lower peninsulas of Michigan can be seen from the hotel’s long front porch. Have drinks brought to you by the pool or on the porch and enjoy a formal dinner complete with a full band in the evening. The food is excellent.

  TIP# 1: Ask for a room with a nice view. Not all the rooms have a view. TIP #2: Visit with the waiters and the bellmen. They are very interesting people, usually from the Carribean islands and supporting their families by working on the cruise ships in the winter and on Mackinac in the summer.

• 4. The Harbour View Inn/ Another Nice Place to Stay

  http://www.harbourviewinn.com/index.html

  Still a very nice place to stay, but a bit more affordable, perhaps, than the Grand is this romantic and historic inn. This is a hotel complex comprised of three buildings with lovely views and a quiet surrounding.

• 5. Mackinac Island Carriage Tours

  http://www.mict.com/

  Exploring the island by carriage is a great experience. This carriage company was established over 100 years ago and is still run by descendants of the founders. You will have an almost 2-hour leisurely tour of the island with some stops along the way. It is a good introduction to the island and you will meander down wooded roads lined with wildflowers, including the beautiful Trillium in the spring. TIP: Don’t feel too anxious about timing. Tours leave whenever a carriage is full and they come around often. Life on the island is relaxed, so join in.

• 6. See The Island by Bicycle

  http://www.mackinacbikes.com/

  It is fairly easy to bike around the whole island. Its a beautiful, woodsy loop along the water and biking offers you an opportunity for a little exercise along with your sightseeing. There are some interesting stops along the way and by biking you can go anywhere you want at any time and, you won’t have any cars to contend with! TIP: take some water and snacks with you.

• 7. Tour the Island on a Horse

  http://www.cindysridingstable.com/

  Originally established in 1953, Cindy’s Riding Stable offers you the opportunity to explore the many trails on Mackinac on horseback. They will match you with the proper horse based on your riding experience and trained guides will help you to navigate the 83 miles of trails and roads. TIP: Book ahead of time as they have a limited number of horses available each day.

• 8. Rent a Horse & Buggy

  http://www.jacksliverystable.com/history.htm

  The other half of of the family business which includes Cindy’s Riding Stable, is Jack’s Livery Stable. For an exciting and new experience, take a horse and buggy on a trip around the island. The staff will give you instructions, and off you go!

• 9. Fort Mackinac for History Buffs

  http://www.mackinacparks.com/parks/fort-mackinac_6/

  This National Historic Landmark is 115 years old. This renovated military fort offers tours which include rifle and cannon firings daily. Its fun for kids and adults as well. TIP: At the end of your carriage ride, get dropped off at the fort for your visit there. Otherwise, the walk up the hill to the fort is a bit steep, and on a hot day it feels even steeper.

• 10. The Island at Night

  Night time on the island is the best time. The day-tourists (called “fudgies” by locals because they walk around eating the yummy fudge freshly made in several different downtown shops) are all gone and the island becomes a quaint and quiet little place. Walking the trails and boardwalks at night is one of my favorite things to do. You might even see the northern lights in the sky like I did one year. Make sure you see the Mackinac Bridge lit up in all its finery.

• 11. The Mackinac Bridge

  http://www.mackinacbridge.org/

  You can’t miss the Mackinac Bridge when you are on the island. Its right there, spread out 5 miles across the water. It is the longest suspension bridge anchored by cables in the world. A drive over the bridge is worth it and it will lead you into the beautiful Upper Peninsula of Michigan, but that is another story….

• 12. All About Mackinac Island

  http://www.mackinac.com/

  This is the official tourist site for Mackinaw Island. It will give you lots of general information on lodgings, planning a wedding on the island, ferries to the island, shopping and more.

  Enjpy your trip to this fascinating and magical island in the Great Lakes.